We were as surprised as anyone when Sony Mobile had a no-show at MWC last month. It was the first time that Sony did not reveal any new Xperia products at MWC since its Android adventure began. We all knew that new handsets were on the horizon though, judging by numerous leaks, so the question became when can we expect the next announcement.

These rumours have intensified in recent days as we discovered numerous UK retail listings for the Sony Xperia SP (C530X) HuaShan and Sony Xperia L (C210X) Taoshan, pointing to launch dates before the end of March. We can now confirm that Sony Mobile Russia is holding a press event on 18 March where there is a strong possibility of an announcement for new Xperia handsets. We have reached out to Sony Mobile’s UK PR team to find out if a similar event is planned, but we have had no response back so far.

Sony has a party in the UK on the 19th, but it’s down as being for the Xperia Z (to celebrate its launch). I suppose if they show off any other products the day before, they might have them around too – but I know Sony has said on record that it intends to try and concentrate on high end devices, and as such it might not be intending to release as many devices in ‘key’ markets.

Things can change of course. One way to change things is when a large phone operator asks to sell a phone you didn’t intend to release!

I do think Sony needs a phone with a smaller display to sell alongside the Z, and that’s to appeal to users who want a smaller phone and it shouldn’t mean a far lower spec. Thus the SP sounds interesting, but perhaps Sony wants to rebuild a reputation for being a premium brand and should resist the temptation to release a whole bunch of devices, many of the 2012 models being rather forgettable besides the S, T and V (well, the V had its own fair share of problems).

Only gonna happen in your dreams. Phablets are here to stay for the short term. Anything in the size range you’re requesting is going to have lower quality specs.

XperiaBlog

Good point. We have an invite to the Xperia Z launch party and there is a chance of new handsets being there, but as it’s an evening event we figured it will be mainly focused on the Xperia Z. Time will tell!

jmcomms

Yes it will.. see you there and possibly some new phones there too. :)

Who da hell cares about low-end models destined for some 4th world countries like russia?? If it’s c670x or the c680x phablet – color me interested but it will not be sony mobile russia, that’s for sure.

Agreed, the only thing putting me off theXperia Z is the size, if there was a new Xperia U but with high end specs I would totally get it. (In fact I nearly did get the U until I heard they wouldn’t update it, so close to getting it…)

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